It's official.
The rumors, the speculation, and years of anticipation have finally become reality.
On June 10, 2026, Buc-ee's officially broke ground on its first-ever North Carolina location in Mebane.
For many Southerners, this isn't just another gas station opening.
It's a cultural event.
For years, North Carolinians have traveled across state lines to experience the famous travel center known for its oversized stores, spotless restrooms, brisket sandwiches, and iconic Beaver Nuggets.
Now the countdown to North Carolina's first Buc-ee's has officially begun.
🎥 WATCH THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
See the official Buc-ee's groundbreaking event in Mebane and hear from local leaders and company executives about what this project means for North Carolina.
▶️ Watch the Video on YouTube
🏗️ Groundbreaking Day in Mebane
The groundbreaking ceremony took place at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road in Mebane.
Local officials, state leaders, and Buc-ee's executives gathered to celebrate the start of construction on what will become one of the largest travel centers in the state.
Leading the ceremony was Buc-ee's founder and CEO Arch "Beaver" Aplin III.
Mebane Mayor Ed Hooks and several state legislators joined the celebration as ceremonial shovels broke through the red North Carolina clay.
Today the site may look like a typical construction zone.
By late 2027, it will be transformed into a massive destination for travelers moving between the Triangle, Triad, Charlotte, and beyond.
📊 By the Numbers
The Mebane location isn't just large.
It's enormous.
For comparison, the building will be roughly the size of many grocery stores, except nearly every square foot is dedicated to food, merchandise, travel essentials, and convenience offerings.
What We Know So Far
✅ 74,000 square feet of retail space
✅ 120 fueling positions
✅ More than 200 full-time jobs
✅ Competitive wages and benefits
✅ More than $1 million annually in projected tax revenue
The economic impact extends far beyond the property itself.
Thousands of travelers are expected to stop in Mebane each day, creating additional opportunities for surrounding businesses, restaurants, hotels, and retailers.
For communities across North Carolina, this project represents one of the largest travel-related developments currently underway.
📍 Why Buc-ee's Chose Mebane
Location played a major role in the decision.
The site sits directly off Interstate 40 and Interstate 85, one of the busiest transportation corridors in North Carolina.
Whether you're traveling between Charlotte and Raleigh, heading to the coast, or making your way through the state, there's a good chance you'll pass through Mebane.
The location provides Buc-ee's with visibility, accessibility, and a steady flow of travelers year-round.
Traffic Concerns Are Being Addressed
Of course, a development of this size also brings concerns about traffic.
Local leaders have spent months discussing how the project could impact nearby roads and intersections.
To address those concerns, Buc-ee's has committed millions of dollars toward transportation improvements.
Road widening projects and infrastructure upgrades are expected to be completed alongside construction of the travel center itself.
The goal is simple: keep traffic moving while supporting the significant increase in visitors.
🦫 Why People Are Obsessed With Buc-ee's
If you've never visited a Buc-ee's before, you may be wondering what all the excitement is about.
The answer is simple.
Buc-ee's isn't really a gas station.
It's an experience.
What Makes Buc-ee's Different?
🚻 Legendary Restrooms
Buc-ee's has built a national reputation for exceptionally clean restrooms. For road trippers, that's often enough reason to stop.
🥪 Fresh Food
From brisket sandwiches and pulled pork to fresh fudge and bakery items, the food program feels more like a food hall than a convenience store.
🍿 Beaver Nuggets
The famous sweet corn puff snack has developed a near cult-like following across the South.
🛍️ Merchandise
The stores are filled with apparel, gifts, outdoor gear, cookware, home décor, and enough Buc-ee's branded merchandise to fill a small department store.
For North Carolina travelers, this location will likely become a regular stop on trips to the mountains, beaches, and major cities throughout the region.
🚗 The Ultimate North Carolina Road Trip Stop
For Charlotte-area travelers, this location could quickly become a regular stop on trips to Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Wilmington, the Outer Banks, and beyond.
Whether you're grabbing breakfast, fueling up for a beach trip, or stocking up on snacks before heading to the mountains, Buc-ee's is designed to be much more than a convenience store.
It's a destination.
🚧 What Happens Next?
Now that construction has officially begun, work will continue throughout 2026 and 2027.
Current plans call for a November 2027 opening.
That may feel like a long wait, but major Buc-ee's projects typically generate excitement throughout the entire construction process.
As the building begins to take shape, expect plenty of updates from local officials, transportation planners, and Buc-ee's leadership.
Stay up to date on major developments happening across North Carolina in our Local News section.
👉 Latest North Carolina & Charlotte News
For additional stories about growth, development, and what's happening around the Carolinas, browse our archive.
👉 Browse The Queen City Scoop Archive
📌 Key Takeaways
✅ Groundbreaking took place on June 10, 2026
✅ The project is located in Mebane, NC
✅ The store will feature 74,000 square feet of retail space
✅ Drivers will have access to 120 fueling positions
✅ More than 200 jobs are expected to be created
✅ Millions are being invested into road improvements
✅ The target opening date is November 2027
🦫 The Bottom Line
The first North Carolina Buc-ee's is no longer a proposal.
It's officially under construction.
Whether you're already planning your first visit or you're simply curious about what all the hype is about, one thing is clear:
North Carolina's road trip culture is about to get a lot more interesting.
And when those doors finally open in 2027, expect plenty of North Carolinians to make the trip just to see what all the excitement is about.
